RE-INTRODUCTION AND PRESENT STATUS OF THE LYNX (LYNX LYNX) IN SWITZERLAND

Abstract

A lynx recovery programme started in Switzerland in 1970. From 1970-76. at least 14 lynx were translocated from the Carpathian Mountains into the Swiss Alps. Another re-introduction took place in the Jura Mountains, but no corridors exist as a connection between these two popula- tions in Switzerland. The devclopmcnt of the populations was not monitored at first. In 1980 sys- tematic research was initiated. which gradually cvolved into the'SM,iss Lynx Projwl. Not all releases were successful, but the re-introduction in the northcm and western Alps founded a population that covered an area of some 4000 kin' in 1981. In the wcstem Swiss Alps. lynx moved into Italian and French territory. Towards the eastern Swiss Alps. the expansion was slower and ceased about ten years ago. During the last five years. there even has been a reduction of the arca occupied. Today, the pop- ulation covers an area ol about 10000 kin2 in the Swiss Alps, of which 50% is suitablc lynx habitat. Based on sizc and overlap of average home ranges of radio-tagged lynx. the population was cstimat- ed to include soinc SO adult residents. At present, the growth rate of the population appears to bc too low to allow a further expansion in range. It is uncertain whether recruitment is sufficient to com- pensate for the high losses among resident adults induced by traffic accidents and illegal killing